Distal MEMS Sensor Housing for Force-Damped Medical Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical devices with micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) assemblies are susceptible to damage from external forces during insertion, removal, and use, leading to performance degradation and potential failure of electronic components.
Innovation Solution
The MEMS assembly is integrated into the distal end of the medical device with supports and a housing that protect it from external forces, using materials with similar thermal properties and coatings to enhance durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MEMS assembly is placed at the distal end of the medical device for diagnostic/therapeutic functions, then measurement capability is improved, but susceptibility to damage from external forces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a support structure within the housing that cushions the MEMS assembly from external forces before they can cause damage. The support is positioned to receive and dampen impact forces during insertion, removal, and use, preventing direct transmission of these forces to the sensitive MEMS components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a support structure as a mediator between the external environment and the MEMS assembly. This support acts as a protective intermediary that absorbs and dissipates external forces, preventing them from reaching the sensitive electronic components while still allowing the MEMS assembly to perform its measurement functions.
2Measurement precision
If MEMS assembly is exposed to external environment through opening for sensing, then sensing accuracy is improved, but vulnerability to external forces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing differentiated protection zones: the opening remains exposed for sensing purposes while the MEMS assembly itself is protected by the support structure within the housing. This allows different parts of the device to have different properties - the opening is open for environmental interaction while the internal components are cushioned from harmful forces.
3Reliability
If MEMS assembly is secured to housing for stability, then reliability is improved, but thermal expansion mismatch may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses thermal expansion mismatch by carefully selecting materials for the support structure whose thermal expansion parameters are matched to the MEMS assembly. This parameter matching prevents stress and damage that would occur during temperature changes while maintaining stable mechanical support and securing of the MEMS assembly to the housing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively prevents damage to MEMS assemblies, maintaining accurate measurements and reducing procedural risks by absorbing and damping forces during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The support may include a material having thermal properties similar to the MEMS assembly
Implementation Method 2
A surface of the diaphragm may include at least one of a hydrophilic coating or a metallic coating
Data Source
AI summary
Medical devices are described, including a medical device including a shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end portion. An outermost surface of the distal end portion may include an opening in fluid communication with an environment around the distal end portion, a housing including a cavity in fluid communication with the opening, and a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) assembly including at least one sensor. The MEMS assembly may be disposed on a support within the cavity.